Science Inquiry and Application, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, & Life Science
Inquiry Focus:
Science Inquiry and Application
During the years of grades 5-8, all students must use the following scientific processes, with appropriate
laboratory safety techniques, to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:
•Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations;
•Design and conduct a scientific investigation;
•Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information;
•Analyze and interpret data;
•Develop descriptions, models, explanations and predictions;
•Think critically and logically to connect evidence and explanations;
•Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predications; and
•Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
Life Science:
Topic: Cellular to Multicellular
This topic focuses on the study of the basics of Modern Cell Theory. All organisms are composed of cells, which are the fundamental unit of life. Cells carry on the many processes that sustain life. All cells come from pre-existing cells.
• Cells are the fundamental unit of life.
• All cells come from pre-existing cells.
• Cells carry on specific functions that sustain life.
• Living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function.
Topic:
Rocks, Minerals and Soil This topic focuses on the study of rocks, minerals and soil, which make up the lithosphere. Classifying and identifying different types of rocks, minerals and soil can decode the past environment in which they formed.
•Minerals have specific, quantifiable properties.
• Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks have unique characteristics that can be used for identification and/or classification.
• Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form in different ways.
• Soil is unconsolidated material that contains nutrient matter and weathered rock.
• Rocks, minerals and soils have common and practical uses.
Topic:
Matter and Motion This topic focuses on the study of foundational concepts of the particulate nature of matter, linear motion, and kinetic and potential energy.
•All matter is made up of small particles called atoms.
• Changes of state are explained by a model of matter composed of atoms and/or molecules that are in motion.
• There are two categories of energy: kinetic and potential.
• An object’s motion can be described by its speed and the direction in which it is moving.
Core Content Committee (CCC) Representative: Jennifer Kelley (jkelley@pccsd.net)
Contributors: Rob Zajac & Jessica McCormick
Standards & Model Curriculum
ODE Revised Science Standards
Instructional Unit Order:
Science Inquiry and Application, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, & Life ScienceInquiry Focus:
During the years of grades 5-8, all students must use the following scientific processes, with appropriate
laboratory safety techniques, to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:
•Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations;
•Design and conduct a scientific investigation;
•Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information;
•Analyze and interpret data;
•Develop descriptions, models, explanations and predictions;
•Think critically and logically to connect evidence and explanations;
•Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predications; and
•Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.
Life Science:
This topic focuses on the study of the basics of Modern Cell Theory. All organisms are composed of cells, which are the fundamental unit of life. Cells carry on the many processes that sustain life. All cells come from pre-existing cells.
• All cells come from pre-existing cells.
• Cells carry on specific functions that sustain life.
• Living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function.
Cells
http://cellsalive.com/
Body Systems
http://www.lessonplansinc.com/biology_lesson_plans_human_body_systems.php
Earth Science:
Rocks, Minerals and Soil This topic focuses on the study of rocks, minerals and soil, which make up the lithosphere. Classifying and identifying different types of rocks, minerals and soil can decode the past environment in which they formed.
• Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks have unique characteristics that can be used for identification and/or classification.
• Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form in different ways.
• Soil is unconsolidated material that contains nutrient matter and weathered rock.
• Rocks, minerals and soils have common and practical uses.
The Dirt on Soil
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/soil/recipe_soil.html
Minerals
http://www.mineralogy4kids.org/
Rock Cycle
Physical Science:
Matter and Motion This topic focuses on the study of foundational concepts of the particulate nature of matter, linear motion, and kinetic and potential energy.
• Changes of state are explained by a model of matter composed of atoms and/or molecules that are in motion.
• There are two categories of energy: kinetic and potential.
• An object’s motion can be described by its speed and the direction in which it is moving.
Teaching Resources:
Energy
http://www.eia.gov/kids/
Matter
http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/
http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/a-matter-of-state/
Science Formative Assessment Strategies & Probes by Unit (Page Keeley)
Life:
(Title,Volume,Page)
(Name, #, Page)
(Single-celled organisms)
Earth:
(Title/Volume/Page)
(Name, #, Page)
Physical:
(Title/Volume/Page)
(Name, #, Page)